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The structure, organization, function and evolution of genomes provides a basis for understanding living organisms.

Currently, I am investigating the mitochondrial genomes of various ascomycetes. The function of mitochondrial DNA in respiration and oxidative phosphorylation is well conserved. In contrast, the genome structure, organization and gene content is extraordinarily diverse. My research is therefore, focused on comparative genomic analyses of the mitochondrial genomes of these fungi to provide insights on the genetic and evolutionary factors driving this diversity. Some of these factors have been associated with fungal virulence thus, this research may have implications for understanding fungal pathogenicity. To achieve the objectives of this research project, various bioinformatics and genomic analyses approaches will be used.

My previous research focused on the comparative genomic analysis of Chrysoporthe species. Chrysoporthe species are notorious canker causing pathogens in Eucalyptus and related species in South Africa andaround the world.